The Burning Train- the songs.

Aparna and Rum got it right! The Drumroll yesterday was for the uniquely brilliant "The Burning Train," which I am so in love with that it is going to take me more than one post to do it justice. It is perhaps the only true disaster movie to come out of Bollywood, as far as I recall, and with the sizable helping of masala, I find it to be far better than any Hollywood disaster movie from the same period.

This first post is devoted to the songs from the movie, which are all very engaging, foot-tapping numbers. Check out the LP cover- half of reigning Bollywood was cast in this one, to spectacular results. The LP cover was a breakthrough as well- my parents had it when I was a child, and the cover was multi-sided, with 6 (believe this, 6) LP-cover-sized pages of scenes from the movie printed on it- ah if only I could have it now ... [sigh]

To begin with, we have the credits in scenes from the movie, transposed in lurid red, blue and green, with a electro-funk track- giving us a inkling of the fact that this was truly a "different" movie from anything Bollywood had ever done, or would ever do.

As the movie opens, we have another song, which is very 70s-80s masala, and unusual for its co-mingling of very Indian-traditional and disco tracks. We find Dharam and Vinod blown away by breathtakingly gorgeous Hema and Pravin, in Meri Nazar Hai Tujhpe (My eye is on you).

As love blossoms (as it will), we are treated to the two couples, bicycling all over New Delhi- we catch glimpses of the Train Museum, various consulates from Chanakya Puri (my fav- the Malaysian embassy, which was supposed to be Dharam's home in the movie!) and Lodi gardens, among others. The song: Pehli Nazar Mein (The first time I saw you..)

Later, Dharam and Hema frolik to Vaada (Promise), as they are engaged to marry. I don't believe this song was shot in Delhi- I rather believe this is Bangalore.

Things turn serious soon, and there is little time to sing songs until the fateful train is well on its way. Halfway through the journey, the entire passenger body gets together for the rousing, and symbolic Pal do pal ka saath hamara (Our togetherness is fleeting, as is our friendship. We are making this journey together only to part ways when we reach our destination). This is without doubt my favorite song from the movie, and gets me sentimental, knowing what is in store for most of these characters. Goes without saying: Jeetendra and Nitu completely rock their parts. Also watch out for a uncredited cameo by Anand Balraj (the guy Madhuri is engaged to marry in Ram Lakhan).

And now to the final song of the movie, and my least favorite- or perhaps the most, because I am so very affected by it. It is a prayer, Teri hai Zameen Tera Aasman (This earth is yours, as are the skies. You are a kindly God- please give us your your grace). I get weepy-eyed every time I see/hear it, because it is SO sad!!! I can hardly bear it [sob]. And of course Simi is a doll in her trademark pink.

The review coming up next!